A community transport scheme aimed at helping the most vulnerable in the G81 postcode area will be extended across the region after receiving a £30,000 funding boost.

Community Transport Action Group (CTAG) has been awarded the grant by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) to expand its healthcare appointment transport service for the elderly, disabled and those on low income.

The move comes after a successful early pilot scheme partnered by South West Community Transport for the G81 area and will now be extended across West Dunbartonshire after the council brought the venture in-house.

West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC), following the acquisition of a suitable vehicle, say all postcodes areas across the local authority will now benefit from the project.

Lawrence O’Neill, SPT board member and West Dunbartonshire councillor, said: “The success of CTAG and its expansion to the entire region is something we are very proud of, and we are very excited by its development.

“Transport to and from healthcare can be very challenging and having this service within our region is vital for residents to access their appointments.”

The funding is part of a £1.3m investment programme from SPT into community transport operations across the West of Scotland.

Community transport operators deliver much-needed transport to the local communities and voluntary groups.

These services are designed to promote and support the delivery of high-quality, reliable and accessible transport to communities across the SPT area.

SPT chair Stephen Dornan said: “Community transport is the lifeblood of transport and the value it offers the communities we serve is invaluable.

“The success of this initial pilot project across West Dunbartonshire shows the impact the scheme can have, and we are delighted that our funding will allow the programme to now expand to cover the entire council region.”